Galaxy, fans do a little celebrating

They wanted one more year out of David Beckham. They chanted for 10more years of Landon Donovan.

At least the Galaxy fans got a night to celebrate their team Monday.

A year after the club won the MLS Cup and then jetted off for a tour of Australia and Indonesia, the Galaxy spent an hour with about 3,000 fans at Home Depot Center to put a cap on the repeat MLS Cup they collected Saturday with a 3-1 win over Houston.

"Last year we didn't really get to enjoy any of it because we took off quickly on our trip," Donovan said. "I think we regret that a little bit. It's nice to go out and get recognized, but it's also nice to be appreciative of our fans.

"I've seen some really bad times here, so it's nice to appreciate the good ones."

The fans got to scream one final time for Beckham, who announced two weeks ago this was be his final season playing for the Galaxy.

After the chanting faded, Beckham could only say: "This is my last year, I apologize. It's been an honor playing here and I'll continue to be a part of this team in the future."

The entire team, coaches and support staff were on hand and five players - Beckham, Donovan, Robbie Keane, Mike Magee and MLS Cup MVP Omar Gonzalez - spoke, along with coach Bruce Arena.

And this time, the Galaxy didn't have to worry about an upcoming postseason trip. The club was negotiating for one, with Qatar being the most likely destination, but dropped that quest Monday.

"After careful consideration of our multiple opportunities, we have decided to forgo any potential postseason tour," Galaxy vice president Chris Klein said in a statement. "Our players and coaches have gone above and beyond for our club and we feel that capturing our second straight MLS Cup title is a fitting end to an historic year."

That brought a sigh of relief to the players.

"There weren't too many tears shed over that announcement," said defender Todd Dunivant, who won his fourth MLS Cup. "But mixed emotions, kind of both ways for that.

"You'd like to do it, you'd like to extend the brand but I think everyone's ready for a little off time, too. It's been a long season, but it ended well."

The Galaxy also had some business to take care of as well, reminding them that next season is not too far away. They made six players available for selection in stage one of the MLS re-entry process.

Goalkeeper Brian Perk, defenders Andrew Boyens and Bryan Jordan, midfielder Kyle Nakazawa and forward Pat Noonan each had their options declined. So did forward Chad Barrett, who has been on loan to Norway club Valerenga since July.

The Galaxy still could sign those players by Thursday afternoon. If they are not signed, they could be picked up by another club in stage one of the process (Friday) or stage two Dec. 14.

"These things happen at this time of year," Dunivant said. "It's awkward timing. We were getting handed our renewal letters right after the Cup.

"I'd rather have strange timing than have three or four weeks to lead up to it."

They certainly didn't mind the time to share their moment with the fans, who gazed at the club's four MLS Cup trophies on the stage.

When it was Donovan's time to speak, they spoke loudly. Donovan recently has hinted he might take time off, so his Galaxy future remains up in the air.

"I don't know if I'll be able to walk in 10 more years, so I don't know what they're thinking," he said of the chant. "It was nice. I appreciated it."

Keane, who went on loan to play for Aston Villa after last season, doesn't know if he will be playing again during the MLS' offseason. He does know he gets to return home to Ireland sooner than he expected.

"I haven't even thought of it, to be honest with you," Keane said. "I look forward to a rest now. It's been a long season for me, I've played a lot of football.